The Perfect Patio

Size and Proportion

Firstly think about the size of your patio. It will need to be spacious enough to be practical, but without dominating the rest of the garden. Think about how you intend to use the space as well - if you do a lot of entertaining you will need to think bigger. If it´s just the two of you, a more modest size patio may do. The size of the patio should also be in proportion to its surroundings. Do you have a small terraced garden or a larger plot that could maybe accommodate a series of connecting patio areas?

Location

A patio doesn’t always have to be right outside the back door, where it can often end up as a thoroughfare from house to garden. Maybe there is a nicer view from the far end of your garden, or a natural suntrap you’d like to take advantage of? You could even create two patio areas in the garden for morning and evening use, connected by a block-paved pathway.

 

For extra interest try aligning your patio at a 45-degree angle to the house, which also creates opportunities to overlap more than one area of paving.

 

Style and Pattern

Would you prefer a modern contemporary feel created using Slate or Limestone, or a more rustic look using Sandstone? For a larger patio you could use a random pattern, whereas a layout using smaller size slabs would suit a smaller Mediterranean style courtyard patio. In a larger patio two contrasting materials could be used, maybe divided into sections with Granite Sets or Tumbled Paving. 

 

Finishing touches

Garden lighting can help extend use of your patio into the evening, and for overhead shade or privacy you could build a wooden pergola, up which you can grow climbers. Artfully arranged groups of planted pots can add life and colour, and you could create an eclectic look by planting a mixture of old and unusual containers; even a ceramic kitchen sink. A more elegant effect can be achieved with delicate ferns and grasses, or eye-catching ornamental specimens planted in glazed containers.